KALAMAZOO -- Downtown Kalamazoo has no shortage of watering holes, but the owner of an existing winery and wine shop says the addition of a new wine lounge across the street from her business will solidify the block as downtown's go-to spot for wine lovers.

One of more than 30 franchises throughout the country, Vintner's Cellar Winery, at 260 E. Michigan Ave., sells a rotating selection of 30 wines that are vinted and bottled on site, said owner Irene Kokkinos, 28.

The Wine Loft -- another wine franchise -- opened its doors on Monday in the historic Haymarket Building across the street from Vintner's.

"What I see happening is that our block will become the wine block," Kokkinos said. "People will come to Vintner's during the day, or they'll start here with a few tastes, then they'll go to Wine Loft to spend more time."

Tiffany Cornelius, president of West Michigan Wine Loft Inc., agreed.

"I see her business as complementing our business, and I see our business complementing hers," said Cornelius, 32.

The Wine Loft plans to appeal to the wine crowd in the early evening, offering 40 different wine-by-the-glass options as well as 160 by-the-bottle options. In addition, there will be a full-service bar and 20 food items, including artisan cheeses, pastas and desserts.

Construction at the 3,500-square-foot Wine Loft's is nearly complete, and Cornelius said she's hired a staff of 25 part-time workers.

The Kalamazoo Wine Loft will be the ninth in the country and the only one in Michigan.
Cornelius and her partners in the venture, Terry and Jean Henderson, are longtime Kalamazoo residents and restaurateurs, having formerly owned nine of the area's Qdoba franchises. They recently opened a Spicy Pickle franchise in Portage.

Kokkinos runs her winery with help from Head Vintner Alex Mantakounis and six part-time employees.